Hypercapnia – Excessive Carbon Dioxide (CO2) a Masking Health Risk

Carbon dioxide in excess is a danger alleged in global warming and in a build-up in the body; the latter potentially creating the condition of hypercapnia. Simply stated, hypercapnia is excess carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation in the body. 

What is carbon dioxide? Carbon dioxide is a gas consisting of one part carbon and two parts oxygen. In proper amounts CO2 is needed for photosynthesis in plants, but in excess it can be dangerous, causing hypercapnia.

The body inhales oxygen constantly, replenishing the body’s need for fresh oxygen. While being distributed, the body’s capillaries also collect body waste in the form of CO2 which is expelled from the body when we breathe out.  If breathing in and out is inhibited,, such as by a mask, oxygen levels are reduced, while CO2 is built up in the body that can produce hypercapnia (hypercarbia).

Dr. Margarite Griesz-Brisson MD, PhD, one of Europe’s leading neurologists focused on neurotoxicology, has gone on record stating: “The rebreathing of our exhaled air will without a doubt create oxygen deficiency and a flooding of carbon dioxide. 

Hypercapnia Symptoms

Hypercapnia symptoms due to excessive CO2 are often attributed to other causes, but hypercapnia symptoms include fatigue, muddled thinking, headaches, flushing, dizziness, dyspnea (shortness of breath), tachypnea (rapid breathing), drowsiness, sweating and increased blood pressure together with increased heart rate. Add the problems of having a difficult time learning, performing simple task and making decisions. 

Current July/August 2021 peer reviewed research reported by the American Board of Family Medicine states: “However, during slow and brisk walks, EtCO₂ [CO2 levels] increased; the rise was significantly higher while wearing masks: slow walk, mean EtCO₂ (mmHg) change +4.5 versus +2.9, with and without masks, respectively. Wearing masks was also associated with higher proportions of participant hypercarbia (EtCO₂ range, 46-49 mmHg) compared with walking without masks,…” (Hg is mercury)

Hypercapnia with these symptoms is a definite threat to the well-being of a student of any age and a threat to any person, especially the young, wearing a face mask for an extended period of time.  Students threatened with discipline for not wearing a mask are especially vulnerable due to reluctance to report a symptom in fear of unwarranted discipline.

As a note, a pulse oximeter can reveal oxygen levels but cannot detect hypercapnia. A warning – your CO2 level can be excessive while your oxygen level is normal.  A person experiencing respiratory issues due to having COVID-19 could be a heightened risk of hypercapnia if CO2 expulsion from the body is inhibited.

CO2 Levels and CO2 Level’s Effects

The following chart shows the status of various CO2 levels:

·         250-400 ppm (parts per million): Normal background concentration in outdoor fresh air.

·         400-1,000 ppm: Concentrations typical of occupied indoor spaces with good air exchange.

·         1,000-2,000 ppm: Complaints of drowsiness and poor air.

·         2,000-5,000 ppm: Headaches, sleepiness and stagnant, stale, stuffy air. Poor concentration, loss of attention, increased heart rate and slight nausea.

·         40,000 ppm+: Exposure may lead to serious oxygen deprivation resulting in permanent brain damage, coma and even death.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the Human Body

Carbon dioxide through your circulatory system diffuses into your blood stream so the gas can be eventually be exhaled from your lungs.  Unless breathing is impeded where the CO2 cannot be expelled regularly, CO2 levels are maintained at safe levels by the body regularly breathing in and out. 

When CO2 levels become a risk from high levels, the brain has special receptors that recognize the increased CO2 level in the blood. The brain receptors notify the lungs to increase breathing rates at a deeper level and at a faster rate in an attempt to bring CO2 levels back down. That CO2 regulation function should not be interrupted to avoid excessive CO2 buildup in the body.

Hypercapnia Recognition and Testing

If hypercapnia is suspected, medical attention is needed. Hypercapnia is usually diagnosed when CO2 presence measures at 44-49 mm Hg or above, but consult a personal health care provider for more information. Most health care providers on establishing a need will utilize a blood test to measure the CO2 level. An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures your blood oxygen, CO2, bicarbonate and pH. An ABG test in contrast to most blood samples requires a blood sample from an artery instead of a vein.

Face Masking and CO2 in Children

Many are now suggesting children in school in most levels be made to wear a mask constantly while in school attendance with many subject to some level of discipline for non-compliance.  Those for mandating such mask-wearing regulations for children should reconsider.

A mask worn on the face and over the nose potentially inhibits exhaling of CO2 to an extent necessary to avoid excessive CO2 build-up in the mask that could cause hypercapnia. Decisions should also include recognition of the extremely low mortality risk of much less than 1% for those under 12 years of age from COVID-19.

Hypercapia and Child Health

Any group governing extended mask wearing by children must be aware of the potential occurrence of hypercapnia as a health risk. The references below set forth and discuss hypercapnia facts to be reviewed during any decision on masking of children; especially in schools. If masking is mandated, hypercapnia symptoms should be constantly monitored with trained medical assistance available to assess and, if necessary by professional evaluation, initiate CO2 reduction and oxygen intake. In summary, compulsory mask wearing for any extended period in the child-age category should be avoided as potentially hurtful to child health.

References:

Jordan FM, “Hypercapnia – Excessive Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as a Health Risk,” 08/03/21.   https://nsc24.com/category/news/

Ophur B, Gendler Y, et al, “Effects of Wearing Facemasks During Brisk Walks: A COVID-19 Dilemma,” J Am Board Fam Med, 34(4):798-801, 7-8,08/21, https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2021.04.200559 , PMID: 34312270

Alexander PE, “Masking – A Careful Review of the Evidence”, AIER, 2/11/21;  https://www.aier.org/article/masking-a-careful-review-of-the-evidence

Alexander PE, “Masking Children: Tragic, Unscientific and Damaging,” AIER 3/10/21,  https://www.aier.org/article/masking-children-tragic-unscientific-and-damaging/

Griesz-Brisson M MD, PhD, “One of Europe’s Leading Neurologist Claims Masks are Dangerous,” Collective Evolution.” 10/07/20. https://www.collective-evolution.com/2020/10/07/one-of-europes-leading-neurologists-claims-masks-are-dangerous-explains-why/

Blaylock R, MD, “Face-masks pose serious risks to the healthy,” Technocracy, 07/11/20,  https://www.technocracy.news/blaylock-face-masks-pose-serious-risks-to-the-healthy/

Leader, DR, “An Overview of Hypercapnia,” 03/26/20. https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypercapnia-symptoms-treatment-914862

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